Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Ends with Palestinian Rocket Fire

A ceasefire between Israel and Gaza ended today when the Hamas launched rockets over the Israeli border. Both sides had agreed to the “humanitarian pause” in order for Palestinian civilians to gather supplies and receive aid. The ceasefire ended after five hours when a rocket from Gaza hit Ashkelon.

In the past 10 days, 226 Palestinians and one Israeli have died. Many of the Palestinian casualties were civilians, including four boys between the ages of nine and 11 who died while playing at a Gaza beach on Wednesday.

President Barack Obama said “we’ve all been heartbroken by the violence” that has “men, women and children caught in the crossfire.”

Egypt had suggested a permanent ceasefire earlier this week that was accepted by Israel, but rejected by Hamas. Egypt still hopes that a ceasefire can be reached so that negotiations can begin.

President Obama said that the United States “will use all of our diplomatic relationships to support closing a deal on a ceasefire.”